Shloka 14
हिरण्यपुरवर्णनम्
Description of Hiraṇyapura and the Nivātakavacas
यत्रतत्रशयो नित्यं येन केनचिदाशित: । येन केनचिदाच्छन्न: स गोव्रत इहोच्यते,जो जहाँ कहीं भी सो लेता है, जिस किसी फल-मूल आदिसे भोजनका कार्य चला लेता है तथा वल्कल आदि जिस किसी वस्तुसे भी शरीरको ढक लेता है, वही यहाँ 'गोव्रतधारी” कहलाता है
yatratatraśayo nityaṁ yena kenacid āśitaḥ | yena kenacid ācchannaḥ sa govrata iho cyate ||
Nārada disse: “Aquele que, por hábito, se deita onde quer que esteja, que se sustenta com qualquer alimento que consiga obter, e que cobre o corpo com o que houver disponível—tal pessoa é aqui descrita como observante do ‘govrata’ (o voto de viver como uma vaca), marcado pela simplicidade, pelo desapego e pelo contentamento.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse defines ‘govrata’ as a discipline of radical simplicity: resting wherever one is, eating whatever is obtainable, and wearing whatever covering is available. Ethically, it trains non-attachment, endurance, and contentment, reducing dependence on comfort and choice.
Nārada is explaining a specific type of vrata (vow/observance) by giving its practical marks. The focus is descriptive—identifying who qualifies as a govrata-observer through conduct rather than lineage or status.